N-acetylcysteine

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13 Relevant Research Studies

Most-Reviewed Use: ANTIBIOTICS

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Brand Name: Acetadote

Drug Class: Antidote; Mucolytic Agent

FDA Category: supplement

CompendiRx Topic(s): Fatigue

Dosage Form: Tablet Oral: 600 mg, 2x per day

Common Usage: NAC has been used in clinical practice to treat critically ill septic patients and more recently COVID-19 patients.

How it works

NAC is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. It is considered to be a mucolytic, which means that it breaks up mucus in the lungs to make breathing easier. As an antioxidant, NAC reduces levels of inflammatory substances. It can scavenge free radicals, working as an antioxidant, which can protect lungs from stressors such as infections and pollution. It also can improve brain damage produced from ischemic events, reduce pain in an infection, and reduce the inflammatory response in the thyroid.

Pregnancy

NAC crosses the placenta but has been used to treat pregnant women with acetaminophen overdose.

Lactation

It is not known whether NAC is excreted in breast milk, so talk to your doctor about potential risks and benefits.

Warnings

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